Traders at the Makurdi Modern Market in Benue State on Tuesday shut down business activities to protest what they described as “incessant cases of car theft” within the market premises.
The traders alleged that incidents of stolen vehicles had become rampant, calling on the state government to investigate and take urgent action to address the growing insecurity.
When reporters visited the market, the main gate was under lock and key, with traders, police officers, and other security personnel seen discussing the situation outside.
Customers and visitors who came for business were left stranded as they could not access the market.
The protesting traders vowed to keep the market closed for two days to draw attention to their grievances over the frequent theft of vehicles and other valuables.
One of the traders, Mazi Ezenna, told journalists that vehicle theft had become a daily occurrence.
Ezenna said, “We are tired of complaining about this issue of insecurity in the market. There is no security at all. We have spoken to the government through the State Ministry of Industry.
“Just imagine, between September and November 1, no fewer than six vehicles were stolen from the market. Customers will drive their vehicles to the market, park them to purchase goods, and the next thing, the car is no longer there.
“We traders have lost so many cars this year in the market. So, we have decided to stay off the market for two days to think of what to do next and for government to provide security in and around the market.”
Efforts to reach members of the market leadership for comment were unsuccessful as none were willing to speak to the press.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Orpin Alumo, said the ministry had not been officially informed about the protest. He explained that the market union had only written to notify his office of their intention to hold fasting and prayers, without indicating a date or time.
Alumo acknowledged that security challenges existed in the market, noting that the ministry had already begun steps to address them. He confirmed that the government was working closely with the market union and other stakeholders to enhance security.
“We have had meetings with officials of the union and other relevant stakeholders in my office, and we did agree on how to synergise and beef up security. However, the traders must understand that security is everybody’s business, and so they too need to join hands,” he said.
The commissioner further stated, “I still emphasise here that I suspect a case of sabotage because no date and time for their praying and fasting was stated in the letter. And when I got the letter, I still called on the chairman of the union to come with his officials for a meeting with the management of the ministry so that we can understand what exactly the problem is.
“However, we have liaised with the special adviser to the governor on security, and he has agreed to deploy men of the community volunteer guards to the market.”
Alumo appealed to the traders to remain calm and cooperate with the state government, adding that plans were underway for a comprehensive rehabilitation and security overhaul of the market.
In a related development, PUNCH Online reported on October 28 that the Nasarawa State Government ordered the closure of the Lafia Modern Market due to poor sanitary conditions after traders failed to comply with repeated warnings to improve hygiene.
